Catalytic performance of nano crystalline H-ZSM-5 in ethanol to gasoline (ETG) reaction

► The crystal size of ZSM-5 is brought down from micro to nano meter level, without affecting its acidity. ► Acid density played vital role in the formation of C5+ oligomers, possible intermediates for gasoline formation. ► Mesopores in NZ facilitated enhanced hydrogen transfer (HT) reactions responsible for gasoline formation. ► Combination of high acid density and mesoporosity produces as high as 74 wt.% of gasoline from ethanol.